Simple Renal Cysts: Can They be Overlooked?

The availability and use of abdominal ultrasonography and computed tomography for diagnostic purposes has led to frequent detection of asymptomatic renal cysts. Recent evidence suggests their association with hypertension. The aim of our study was to evaluate the presence of simple renal cysts in patients with hypertension and prehypertension.

In a hospital based cross-sectional study, all consecutive adult patients aged > 25 years were enrolled. Detailed medical history and physical examination was done in all the study participants. Abdominal ultrasonography and biochemical parameters were also performed. All the patients who had history or evidence of structural or functional kidney disease were excluded.

A total of 6230 patients were enrolled and divided into three groups: normotension (n=3510), prehypertension (n=1850) and hypertension (n=870) groups. There were significant differences in age, gender, prevalence of diabetes, family history of hypertension, regular exercise, smoking, BMI, systolic blood pressure, diastolic pressure, fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL cholesterol, creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate in three groups. Simple renal cysts (SRCs) were present in significantly greater numbers in patients with prehypertension and hypertension. SRCs ≥2 in number or ≥2 cm in size were significantly associated with both prehypertension and hypertension independent to other risk factors.

The presence of SRCs should not be overlooked. In present study, SRCs ≥2 in number or ≥2 cm in size are important determinants of prehypertension and hypertension.